Objectives: This study analyzes nurses’ manifold organizational role. The organizational role is viewed both from the formal role perspective and from the point of view of the expectations of and perceptions on nurses’ behavior in organizations.

Data and Methods: The data consists of approximately 150 articles published in a Finnish nurse trade journal from January 2014 to June 2015. The trade journal was chosen for source of data as it deals diversely with themes connected to nurses’ work and nursing at the practical level. Qualitative content analysis was applied while analyzing the data.

Results: The study recognizes several formal and informal organizational roles of nurses. These roles can be labeled as follows: “the alongside stroller,” “the patients' advocate,” “the colleague,” “the organizational underdog,” and “the expert and skills developer.”

Conclusions: This study generates new knowledge about the characteristics of nurses’ role at the organizational level and combines both formal and informal perspectives. Even though the nurses’ role naturally varies across organizations and positions, some general role characteristics can be provided.

Contribution to Public Management: The study contributes to nurse education, for instance in terms of the aims and content of nurse education. The results of the study can be also utilized in nurse management in public healthcare organizations, especially when redesigning and changing the work of nurses.